Fin's Fish Guide
The Jenny mojarra (Eucinostomus gula) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gerreidae that grows up to 26 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, over sand and silty bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The jenny mojarra is a small, mirror-silver fish of the family Gerreidae (mojarras) reaching about 25 cm. The laterally compressed body stands out for its far downward-protrusible, tube-shaped mouth, with which the fish sucks prey from the soft bottom. The species forms schools over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons along the western Atlantic coast from the USA to Brazil and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it searches for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger fish and seabirds and is also used as bait.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Jenny mojarra?
The Jenny mojarra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, mirror-like silver fish with a tube mouth that can be protruded far downwards, with which it sucks prey out of the bottom.
Where does the Jenny mojarra live?
The Jenny mojarra lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, over sand and silty bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Jenny mojarra get?
The Jenny mojarra grows to a maximum of about 26 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Jenny mojarra dangerous to humans?
No, the Jenny mojarra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Jenny mojarra edible?
The Jenny mojarra is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Eucinostomus
More from the family Gerreidae
Want the complete picture on the Jenny mojarra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Jenny mojarra is one of 12,519 species in the app.